The First Noel
Bing Crosby Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole Lyrics

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
The Christmas greeting, Noel, is repeated as a joyful celebration of the holiday.

Noel, Noel
The line repeats the joyful exclamation of Noel.

The first Noel
The first announcement of Jesus' birth, which also gives the song its name.

The angel did say
An angel appeared to the shepherds to deliver the news of Jesus' birth.

Was to certain poor shepherds
The angel appeared to a specific group of shepherds who were poor and likely lowly regarded in society.

In fields as they lay
The shepherds were out in fields watching over their sheep when the angel appeared to them.

In fields where they
Continuation of the previous line, describing the location of the shepherds.

Lay a keeping their sheep
The shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep, as was their duty.

On a cold winter's night
The setting of the story, emphasizing the harshness of the environment in which Jesus was born.

That was so deep
Continuation of the previous line, further emphasizing the extreme weather conditions.

Born is the King of Israel
A declaration of the birth of Jesus, who is recognized as the King of Israel and Savior of the world.

They looked up
The shepherds raised their heads to see something in the sky.

And saw a star
The shepherds saw a star in the heavens that was unlike any other.

Shining in the east
The star was in the eastern sky.

Beyond them far
The star was a great distance away from where the shepherds were located.

And to the earth
The star descended to the earth.

It gave great light
The star was incredibly bright and illuminated the night sky.

And so it continued
The star's light remained constant and did not disappear.

Both day and night
The light from the star was visible both during the day and night.

This by the light
The following events were guided by the light of this star.

Of that same star
A repetition and emphasis that the star led the way for those who followed it.

Three wise men came
The Magi, or wise men, who were scholars and astrologers, followed the star to Jesus' birthplace.

From country far
The wise men traveled a great distance to see the newborn King.

To seek for a King
The wise men's purpose was to find the King who was foretold in prophecy and had been born according to the star's guidance.

Was their intent
The wise men were determined to locate and pay homage to the newborn King.

And to follow the star
The wise men continued to follow the star as it led them to the Christ child.

Wherever it went
The wise men remained focused on the star's guidance, which they believed would lead them to the King.

Born Noel
Final declaration of Jesus' birth, with his name included in the celebration of Noel.